Road Accident Fund (RAF) in Crisis: New CEO, R21.7 Billion Backlog & Urgent Reform Calls – October 2026 Update

The Road Accident Fund (RAF) continues to dominate South African headlines in 2026, with a new CEO appointment, a staggering R21.7 billion in unpaid claims, mounting pressure from Parliament, and landmark court rulings reshaping the landscape for accident victims across the country. Here is a comprehensive roundup of the latest RAF news and what it means for South Africans.

1. New CEO Appointed: Waseem Carrim Takes the Helm

In one of the most significant leadership developments at the RAF in recent years, Cabinet has approved Mr Waseem Carrim as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Road Accident Fund. The appointment, confirmed in September 2026, comes at a critical time as the fund faces intense scrutiny from Parliament, advocacy groups, and the public alike.

The new CEO inherits an institution under enormous pressure, with a growing claims backlog, funding challenges, and calls for sweeping structural reform. Stakeholders are watching closely to see whether Carrim’s leadership will accelerate the turnaround efforts already underway.

2. R21.7 Billion in Unpaid Claims: Accident Victims Left Waiting

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has revealed a deeply concerning figure: as of 28 June 2026, the RAF had 37,622 finalised claims worth R21.76 billion that remained unpaid to claimants. These claims involve 47,949 separate payment transactions.

The RAF tracks these through its Requested Not Yet Paid (RNYP) Claims Register — a register of claims approved for payment but not yet settled. The Minister disclosed this information in a parliamentary reply following a question from ActionSA MP Alan Beesley.

Why Are Claims Not Being Paid?

• Outstanding compliance checks – affecting claims worth nearly R11 billion
• Verification delays – affecting claims worth more than R9.1 billion
• Missing documents – affecting claims worth approximately R1.7 billion
• Payments not yet reaching their due dates

Alarmingly, 36,442 of these claims date back to the period between 2007 and 2026, meaning some accident victims have been waiting for compensation for nearly two decades.

3. RAF Helping Fewer People Despite Spending More

The Association for the Protection of Road Accident Victims (APRAV) has sounded the alarm at a National Press Club briefing in Pretoria, highlighting findings from the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) that paint a troubling picture of the RAF’s operational performance.

According to APRAV, the RAF previously completed more than 400,000 claims per year. Today, that figure has plummeted to approximately 70,000 claims per year — while the average cost per settled claim has increased by more than 70% within three to four years.

“The system is spending more and more to help fewer people. Every one of those claims has been sitting in the drawer, and each of those numbers represents a person: someone who cannot work and a family who cannot afford medical treatment.” — APRAV Chair Ngoako Mohlaloga

APRAV Vice Chairman Pieter de Bruyn added that some victims have been waiting up to 10 years for compensation legally owed to them. He also raised concerns about:

• The closure of district and satellite offices, particularly harming rural communities
• Significant staff losses impairing the RAF’s ability to function
• Unlawful claim form requirements that previously excluded thousands of claimants
• Court cases repeatedly postponed because the RAF fails to appear, creating an “evil cycle” of growing litigation costs and backlogs

4. APRAV Proposes a National Settlement Centre

To address the immediate crisis while longer-term reforms are implemented, APRAV has proposed the establishment of a National Settlement Centre. This would not create a new government department but rather serve as a practical mechanism to fast-track claims already ready for settlement.

The proposed process would:

• Identify suitable claims and consolidate existing legal, medical, and financial documentation
• Assign experienced claims experts and RAF representatives with decision-making authority to each case
• Ensure agreed claims are paid within a reasonable timeframe
• Refer genuinely disputed cases back to the ordinary court process

De Bruyn suggested the centre begin as a pilot project focusing on claims already on court rolls or close to settlement. SCOPA was expected to complete its report by end of August 2026 and present it to Parliament before the end of September 2026.

5. Parliament: Signs of Recovery, But Reforms Must Accelerate

Earlier in 2026, the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Transport, Mr Donald Selamolela, offered a more optimistic assessment, stating that the RAF is “on the road to recovery.” He acknowledged that the fund is a “challenged entity” beset by historical factors but expressed satisfaction that governance improvements and operational stabilisation efforts are underway.

Deputy Minister of Transport Mkhuleko Hlengwa likened the reform process to “fixing an aeroplane while airborne,” emphasising that direct claims remain an immediate priority. The committee called on the Department of Transport to urgently review RAF legislation to close existing loopholes.

6. Court Rulings: RAF Fails to Undo R5.5 Million Compensation Award

In a significant legal development in August 2026, the Johannesburg High Court dismissed the RAF’s attempt to rescind a February 2024 order awarding more than R5.5 million for loss of earnings to an accident victim.

Acting Judge Prince Verveen ruled that the RAF was represented at the original hearing and had failed to provide a sufficient explanation for its nine-month delay in filing the rescission application. The judge was unequivocal:

“Rescission is not an appeal. The RAF has not made out a case under rule 42 or at common law.” — Acting Judge Prince Verveen

The judgment reinforces the limits of the RAF’s ability to reopen compensation orders after judgment, particularly where the fund was represented at the original hearing but failed to properly advance its case. This ruling is a significant win for accident victims and their legal representatives.

In a related development, the RAF was also ordered to pay R3.7 million to a brain-damaged street vendor (July 2026), and the RAF has reportedly turned to private lawyers to manage its growing caseload (August 2026).

7. Funding Model Under Review: Could Motorists Face New Fees?

The RAF is currently funded primarily through a fuel levy on petrol and diesel. However, with the fund’s financial position under severe strain, the Department of Transport is reviewing the RAF’s funding model.

One option under consideration is a mandatory vehicle-linked fee attached to annual vehicle licence renewals or initial registrations. While no final decision has been made, the prospect has already drawn criticism from motoring organisations and consumer groups concerned about the additional financial burden on South African motorists.

Minister Creecy confirmed: “The Department of Transport, in collaboration with the Road Accident Fund, has initiated a structured review of the RAF funding framework, guided by a formal business case. Once this process is completed, it will be communicated publicly.”

8. Appeal Court Ruling on Foreign Nationals’ RAF Claims

Parliament’s Transport Committee Chairperson also welcomed an Appeal Court ruling affirming that foreign nationals are entitled to claim from the RAF. The ruling reinforced that RAF funding is intended for all victims of road accidents in South Africa, regardless of nationality.

What Does This Mean for RAF Claimants?

If you have been injured in a road accident in South Africa, here are the key takeaways from the latest RAF news:

• Delays are widespread – With over R21 billion in unpaid claims, patience and persistence are essential.
• Legal representation matters – Court rulings show that the RAF can be held accountable, but claimants need proper legal support.
• Reforms are coming – Parliamentary oversight and advocacy group pressure are driving change, but progress is slow.
• Rural claimants face extra challenges – The closure of satellite offices means those in remote areas must plan ahead to access RAF services.
• New leadership – The appointment of CEO Waseem Carrim may signal a new direction for the fund.

Conclusion: A Fund at a Crossroads

The Road Accident Fund stands at a critical crossroads in October 2026. On one hand, there are genuine signs of institutional recovery and reform momentum. On the other, the scale of the backlog, the declining number of settled claims, and the financial pressures facing the fund paint a sobering picture for the millions of South Africans who depend on it.

With a new CEO, ongoing parliamentary scrutiny, proposed structural reforms, and a funding model review underway, the coming months will be decisive for the RAF’s future. Accident victims, legal practitioners, and South African motorists alike should stay informed and engaged as these developments unfold.

Stay updated on the latest Road Accident Fund news by bookmarking this page. If you or a loved one has been involved in a road accident and needs guidance on RAF claims, consult a qualified legal professional.